In the bakery of implementing an ERP, the different key deadlines must be marked. One of the most important is the start date, but what often happens is that an optimistic time is set and, normally, it is not met. It is a strategy to try to maintain the motivation of the client and the technicians, since, if you work with realistic dates, all the parties involved in the process relax and delays in deliveries are caused.
Premeditated delays
Even so, the client and the project manager are aware of the optimism implicit in the start date set and contemplate from the beginning the delay that this entails. Even being aware, no more than two delays should be applied to the start under any case, since one is fine and should be enough; two delays are too many; and three produce distrust on both sides.
The leading role of the customer
In any case, the start of the project is essentially linked to the response of the client. In most cases, the platform adapts to the client with the consequent modifications that this implies. For this reason, the figure of the client is vital in this type of implementation, since they must try the new developments. If this does not happen, the partner cannot move forward in the development and therefore the start date is delayed.
Dedicate time and resources
So, it is essential that the client is aware of the complexity of the ERP implementation, as well as that it contemplates a correct resource planning. A project of this magnitude involves setting aside time to work on it. Unlike what some customers think, it is not about paying for the service, installing it, doing some training and starting the program, but it requires more attention and resources.
In this way, if you intend to apply an ERP it is very important to adopt commitment, plan optimistic (but at the same time, realistic) deadlines and resources, and dedicate the necessary time to the testing of the program. Thus, they will ensure that the project is implemented in optimal conditions where stress and haste do not influence the correct development of the project, thus ensuring its success.